Who are Level8

Based in New York, Level8 is a premium luggage brand that stands out for its minimalist travel luggage options, which perfectly balance out aesthetics, durability, and function.

Founded by Steven Lin in 2008, Level8 started with the clear intentions to create modern luggage that’s not only premium in its functionality and durability, but also looks and feels that way.

Though still fairly young in comparison to industry giants as Samsonite, Rimowa, and Tumi, to name but a few, Level8 has managed to gain a loyal following relatively quickly, among which are mostly frequent travellers, digital nomads, and those who value aesthetics and style equally as much as functionality.

Captain Aluminium Pro Carry-On 20″

Easily my favourite out of the bunch, the super sleek Captain Aluminium Pro Carry-On 20’’ is an absolute beauty, and one that will completely change how I will approach shorter voyages from now on.

Its elegance perfectly reflects Level8’s premium side. At the same time, its outer shell, made from aerospace-grade aluminium-magnesium alloy, showcases that it is as sturdy and reliable as it is aesthetically refined and classy.

Once you open the suitcase, you will notice how smooth the butterfly-style opening is, with dual compartments that make organising your belongings as easy as it gets. On one side, Level8 opted for metal latches over zippers, allowing smoother access to stuff you like to have at hand more quickly. 

Although this might sound like a fairly small detail to some, it actually felt like a really great addition, adding a significant amount of convenience.

Some of the Captain Aluminium Pro Carry-On 20’’ key features include:

• A minimal, yet utterly stylish aesthetic
• Wide Handle for stability and extra space

• Smooth 360-degree spinner wheels
• A fully lined interior with flexible dividers
• Extremely durable aerospace-grade aluminium magnesium alloy
• TSA-approved locks for speedy yet secure access
• As with all Level8 suitcases, a lifetime warranty

The Voyageur 28″ Limited Edition in Celadon

One of Level8’s flagship suitcases for a reason, the Voyageur is the perfect option for those demanding maximum space, without compromising on the aesthetics side of things.

Available in several sizes, including a 20’’ carry-on, I opted for the 28″ in the limited edition Celadon colourway, as it stood out, looking both refreshing and sophisticated, while the size easily covered my capacity needs.

Beyond its aesthetics, the Voyageur 28″ has the following key features:

• Wide telescopic handle for stability and extra space
• Smooth 360-degree spinner wheels
• A scratch-resistant Makrolon® polycarbonate shell that feels light but strong
• An intuitive interior layout with dividers, compression panels, and multiple pockets to keep everything organised.
• TSA-approved locks for speedy yet secure access

• As with all Level8 suitcases, a lifetime warranty

Key features of Level8

As a brand that focuses on sleek design and innovative functionality, Level8 suitcases come with quite a few key features that will elevate your travel experiences.

Wide Trolley Handles

One of the first things that came to attention when travelling with my Level8 suitcases was the fact that the handle was significantly wider than the ones I was used to. Not only did this provide more stability, but it also provided extra space in the suitcase itself, as they tuck away nicely in the corners of the suitcase.

Sleek design

While not particularly a feature that enhances functionality, I still believe that the aesthetically pleasing design choices are contributing to the brand’s ever-growing popularity. 

For me, one of the main reasons I got intrigued by Level8, was the fact that their suitcases reflect a certain level of class and dignity, with the Captain Aluminium Pro Carry-On being my absolute favourite.

360-degree spinner wheels

If there’s one feature that deserves all the praise, it will absolutely be the ultra-quiet 360-degree spinner wheels that make you glide smoothly through airport lobbies and sidewalks. 

While navigating through irregular cobblestone streets was, as I anticipated, significantly less smooth, the Level8 actually performed much better than I initially expected.

All in all, the wheels contribute to a smooth and convenient experience, which makes moving around your belongings as easy as it is comfortable.

Lightweight durable material

Most Level8 luggage is made from Makrolon®, a sturdy and durable material known for its impact resistance, flexibility and weight. 

As a result, Level8 suitcases are lightweight, yet ready to handle the hard hands your luggage is dealt with at the airport. 

With weights ranging between roughly 3,5 to 5,6kg, depending on the model, there’s plenty left for your belongings, without compromising on the build quality of your luggage – which to me, is a huge win!

The lightweight also means you have to worry less about the airline’s weight limits.

Lifetime warranty

As with most products I research, I always aim to purchase from brands that feel adequately confident in their products and craftsmanship that they offer their customers a lifetime warranty. 

So when I found out that Level8 works with a lifetime warranty policy, I instantly felt that this brand was up to something. More specifically, something that perfectly matched my personal values.

Their lifetime warranty covers functional damage to the shell, wheels, handles, and zippers, which basically means all bases are covered, giving travellers peace of mind for years to come.

TSA-Approved Lock

Another great thing about Level8 luggage is the fact that every suitcase comes with an integrated TSA-approved combination lock, providing security while also enhancing the brand’s premium aesthetics.

With a 3-digit locking system, the lock is super easy to set up; meanwhile, the security can easily open the case with a master key when a more thorough security check is required, speeding up the overall airport security process.

My Honest Take on Level8

After my recent trip to Slovenia with both the Captain Aluminium Pro Carry-On and the Voyageur, I completely changed how I look at travelling with suitcases 

You see, I typically don’t travel with a suitcase very often, but during this trip, I realised that a sturdy set of suitcases is a great addition to my travel luggage options, partly cause Level8 didn’t give me any reason to think differently.

From the brand’s aesthetically pleasing minimal design to the top-notch materials being used, the smooth 360-degree spinner wheels, to the intuitive interior layout, complete with dividers, compression panels and pockets, Level8 simply didn’t fail to impress.

If, like me, you travel frequently or simply value products that perform and last, yet also look minimal and sophisticated, I firmly believe that Level8 is a great fit for you.

Is Level8 Luggage Worth the Money?

While price-wise, definitely on the higher end of the luggage market, I believe that the price could easily be justified given the build quality, use of premium materials, and overall excellent performance.

On top of that, the suitcases are super innovative, with sleek design, excellent 360-degree spinner wheels, and thoughtful features that add to the convenience.

It’s also worth mentioning that Level8 suitcases come with a lifetime warranty, making it not just an impulse purchase, but more so a thoughtful investment for years of travel to come.

All in all, Level8 luggage is definitely worth the higher price tag, especially if you’re a frequent traveller. If you travel just once or twice a year, you might give it a pass, but if you’re on the road more often, I would try to live more by the following saying: buy it once, buy it right.